Serving the greater good

It’s often stated that the serve is one volleyball skill in which the player has complete control.

High school girls usually use float serves, topspin serves and jump serves, and teams can benefit if players have good command of these deliveries.

“The serve is the most underused weapon in volleyball,” said Rob Graham, coach of Parker’s Ponderosa High School, the 2014 Continental League champion and Class 4A state finalist. “Most coaches will spend time and train offense and defense … but they don’t put their time into not only serving but telling girls where to serve it. The importance of a good server is huge because when you have a girl that can serve short and deep, can serve a topspin and a floater, then we can do whatever that will stretch the other team.

“We make all of our kids jump serve. We think serving is that important. You can score so many more points than most people believe. It’s the quickest and easiest way to score a point. Serve a ball, get an ace and you didn’t have to do anything.”

Jill Fitzpatrick said good serves helps her team remain competitive. She is the coach for The Academy, a Class 3A charter school in Westminster.

“The most important battle in volleyball is the serve-serve-receive game,” she said. “No matter what level you play, from beginners all the way to Olympians, you must win that battle to come out on top. At times, we play teams that are taller or run a quick offense, but we are able to remain competitive because our serving game is so strong.”

A player who is effective with a variety of serves gives a coach options.

“I like the floater,” said Ponderosa senior Camille Smith. “It is easier than the topspin. Up-close serves I’m not very good at, but the deep ones I’m OK.”

Alexa Buis, a senior at The Academy, set a school record and led Class 3A with 77 aces last season. She has an effective, powerful jump-float serve.

“It’s taken me three or four years to become the server I am,” said the 5-foot-6 Buis. “Having a good service game helps the team out. I like to go deep …. I don’t feel any pressure. I just go back, calm myself down and tell myself to get the ball in play and go from there.”